Robotic cleaning apparatus and related methods

ABSTRACT

A robotic cleaning apparatus for cleaning a dirty object includes a cleaning head and an articulated body. The articulated body is coupled to the cleaning head and mountable to the dirty object. The body has one or more actuators that collectively move the cleaning head into contact with surfaces of the dirty object. The one or more actuators, when activated, collectively rotate the cleaning head relative to the dirty object about first and second axes, and translate the cleaning head relative to the dirty object along an extension axis. A method of robotically cleaning is also disclosed.

FIELD

This application is related to the field of robotic cleaning apparatus and related methods.

INTRODUCTION

Domestic cleaning is generally considered an undesirable task that involves manual interaction with dirty elements within a home or office. Basins, such as toilet bowls, bathtubs, and sinks, tend to collect particularly unsanitary matter, and are therefore among the least desirable domestic elements to clean.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a robotic cleaning apparatus for cleaning a dirty object is provided. The robotic cleaning apparatus may comprise a cleaning head and an articulated body. The articulated body may be coupled to the cleaning head and mountable to the dirty object, the body having one or more actuators that collectively move the cleaning head into contact with surfaces of the dirty object. The one or more actuators, when activated, may collectively rotate the cleaning head relative to the dirty object about first and second axes, and translate the cleaning head relative to the dirty object along an extension axis.

In another aspect, a method of robotically cleaning an inner surface of a basin is provided. The method may comprise mapping a cleaning path of a first segment of the inner surface, and cleaning the first segment of the inner surface by moving a cleaning head along the cleaning path in contact with the first segment.

In another aspect, a method of robotically cleaning an inner surface of a basin is provided. The method may comprise radially moving a cleaning head into contact with a first segment of the inner surface; rotating the cleaning head about a first axis while modulating a radial position of the cleaning head to maintain brushing contact of the cleaning head along a length of the first segment; rotating the cleaning head about a second axis into alignment with a second segment of the inner surface; and rotating the cleaning head about the first axis while modulating the radial position of the cleaning head to maintain brushing contact of the cleaning head along a length of the second segment.

In another aspect, a robotic toilet bowl cleaning apparatus is provided. The apparatus may comprise a toilet bowl mount, a cleaning head, a body, and a controller. The body may be coupled to the cleaning head and the toilet bowl mount. The body may have one or more actuators that collectively move the cleaning head into contact with inside surfaces of a toilet bowl when the toilet bowl mount is secured to the toilet bowl. The one or more actuators, when activated, collectively move the cleaning head relative to the inside surfaces with respect to at least three different axes, including rotation about a vertical axis and rotation about a horizontal axis. The controller may be communicatively coupled to the one or more actuators to send control signals that direct the one or more actuators to activate.

In another aspect, a robotic cleaning apparatus for cleaning a dirty object is provided. The robotic cleaning apparatus may comprise a cleaning head and an articulated body. The articulated body may be coupled to the cleaning head and mountable to the dirty object. The body may have one or more actuators that collectively move the cleaning head into contact with surfaces of the dirty object. The one or more actuators, when activated, may collectively pivot the cleaning head relative to the dirty object about a first axis, and telescopically extend the cleaning head outwardly away from the first axis along an extension axis.

In another aspect, a telescoping arm is provided. The telescoping arm may include a base, an outer elongate member, an inner elongate member, and a transmission. The outer elongate member may be connected to the base, and axially movable relative to the base between retracted and extended positions. The inner elongate member may be connected to the outer elongate member, and axially movable relative to the outer elongate member between the retracted and extended positions. The transmission may drive the inner and outer elongate members to move concurrently between the retracted and extended positions.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a robotic cleaning apparatus mounted to a toilet, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the robotic cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1, with the toilet sectioned along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the robotic cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 mounted to a toilet;

FIG. 4 is the exploded view of FIG. 3, with an upper housing separated into halves;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the robotic cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 with housings removed;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third articulated body portion, showing an extension shaft in a retracted position;

FIG. 7 is the perspective view of FIG. 6 showing the extension shaft in an intermediate position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the third articulated body portion, showing the extension shaft in an extended position;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of a cleaning head;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the cleaning head of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the cleaning head of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a rigid arm;

FIG. 13 is a top elevation view of the rigid arm of FIG. 12, showing a connector in an engaged position;

FIG. 14 is the top elevation view of FIG. 13 showing the connector in a disengaged position;

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of a controller communicatively coupled to various components;

FIG. 16 is the side view of FIG. 2 showing the cleaning head moved into contact with a first segment;

FIG. 17 is a top elevation view of the robotic cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 mounted to the toilet, and showing the cleaning head in three positions;

FIG. 18 is the side elevation view of FIG. 2 showing the cleaning head moved into contact with a second and third segment;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of region 19 in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is the side elevation view of FIG. 2 showing the toilet seat in a tilted position and the cleaning head moved in contact with the toilet seat;

FIG. 21 is the top view of FIG. 17 showing the cleaning head in two incremental positions for mapping a cleaning path;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of a robotic cleaning apparatus, in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 23A is a rear perspective view of the robotic cleaning apparatus of FIG. 22 showing a connector disconnected from a mount, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 23B is a rear perspective view of the robotic cleaning apparatus of FIG. 22 showing the connector connected to the mount;

FIG. 24 is another front perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of a charging station, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of a robotic cleaning system including the robotic cleaning apparatus of FIG. 22 docked in the charging station of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is schematic illustration of a robotic cleaning apparatus navigating a cleaning head around an obstacle;

FIG. 28 is a side elevation view, with the toilet sectioned, illustrating cleaning a vertically oriented surface segment in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a robotic cleaning apparatus with housings removed, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a third articulated body portion of the robotic cleaning apparatus of FIG. 29, showing a telescoping arm in a retracted position;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the third articulated body portion of FIG. 30, with the telescoping arm in an extended position;

FIG. 32A is a top plan view of the telescoping arm of FIG. 30 in the retracted position;

FIG. 32B is a cross-section taken along line 32B-32B in FIG. 32A;

FIG. 33A is a top plan view of the telescoping arm of FIG. 30 in the extended position;

FIG. 33B is a cross-section taken along line 33B-33B in FIG. 33A;

FIG. 34 is a rear perspective view of a cleaning head, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a front perspective view of the cleaning head of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a front elevation view of the cleaning head of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a rear perspective view of the cleaning head of FIG. 34, with a separated cleaning member; and

FIG. 38 is a side view showing a sectioned toilet with a toilet seat in a tilted position and the robotic cleaning apparatus of FIG. 29 having the cleaning head of FIG. 34 moved into contact with the toilet seat.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Numerous embodiments are described in this application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any sense. The invention is widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the disclosure herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be practiced with modification and alteration without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. Although particular features of the present invention may be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments or figures, it should be understood that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments or figures with reference to which they are described.

The terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “embodiments,” “the embodiment,” “the embodiments,” “one or more embodiments,” “some embodiments,” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention(s),” unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprising” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an” and “the” mean “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise.

As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, or “fastened” where the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts), so long as a link occurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “directly coupled”, “directly connected”, “directly attached”, or “directly fastened” where the parts are connected in physical contact with each other. As used herein, two or more parts are said to be “rigidly coupled”, “rigidly connected”, “rigidly attached”, or “rigidly fastened” where the parts are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. None of the terms “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, and “fastened” distinguish the manner in which two or more parts are joined together.

As used herein and in the claims, a first element is said to be “received” in a second element where at least a portion of the first element is received in the second element unless specifically stated otherwise.

Further, although method steps may be described (in the disclosure and/or in the claims) in a sequential order, such methods may be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of methods described herein may be performed in any order that is practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously.

FIG. 1 shows a robotic cleaning apparatus 100, which is operable to automatically clean a dirty object 104. For example, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may be operable to automatically clean at least inside surfaces 108 of a basin 112, such as a toilet bowl as shown, a sink, or other bowl-like portion of a dirty object 104. As shown, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may include an articulated body 116 that is secured to the dirty object 104 by a mount 120 and that is drivingly connected to a cleaning head 124. Articulated body 116 may be operable to move the cleaning head 124 with several degrees of freedom into brushing contact with dirty object 104, such as across inside surfaces 108 of basin 112. Once activated, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may clean the dirty object 104 automatically (i.e. without further user action).

Still referring to FIG. 1, articulated body 116 may be suspended over basin 112. As shown, articulated body 116 may be suspended within a periphery of basin 112. Referring to FIG. 2, basin 112 has a volume 128 bordered by basin inside surfaces 108 and basin opening 132. Articulated body 116 may be positioned partially within (and partially outside) a volume 128 of basin 112 as shown, entirely within basin volume 128, or entirely outside (e.g. above) basin volume 128. In any case, articulated body 116 may be spaced apart from surfaces 108 of basin 112. For example, articulated body 116 may be positioned within a projection of basin opening 132 normal to the plane of basin opening 132. This can allow articulated body 116 to move cleaning head 124 outwardly (e.g. radially outwardly) from articulated body 116 into contact with inside surfaces 108 of basin 112.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may include one or more actuators 136 that, when activated, collectively act to move cleaning head 124 relative to dirty object 104 into contact with surfaces of dirty object 104. For example, the actuator(s) 136 may form part of articulated body 116 as shown. Robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may also include a controller 140 that is communicatively coupled to actuator(s) 136 to send control signals that activate actuator(s) 136 automatically to perform a cleaning operation.

Actuator(s) 136 may act to impart any movement upon cleaning head 124. For example, each actuator 136 may act to rotate cleaning head 124, translate cleaning head 124, or move cleaning head 124 in more complex patterns involving both rotation and translation in one or more directions. In some embodiments, actuator(s) 136 may be operable to rotate cleaning head 124 about first and second axes 144 ₁ and 144 ₂, and translate cleaning head about a radial axis 144 ₃. This may be achieved by any number of actuators 136.

Still referring to FIGS. 3-5, articulated body 116 may include a first actuator 136 ₁ that acts to rotate cleaning head 124 about a first axis 144 ₁, a second actuator 136 ₂ that acts to rotate cleaning head 124 about a second axis 144 ₂, and a third actuator 136 ₃ that acts to translate cleaning head 124 about an extension axis 144 ₃. First and second axes 144 ₁ and 144 ₂ can be any axes that allow cleaning head 124 to be repositioned relative to dirty object 104. As shown, first axis 144 ₁ is non-parallel to second axis 144 ₂, and first and second axes 144 ₁ and 144 ₂ are not co-extensive with extension axis 144 ₃. This allows extension axis 144 ₃ to be reoriented by rotating cleaning head 124 about first and second axes 144 ₁ and 144 ₂. As shown, first actuator 136 ₁ may be a yaw actuator that rotates cleaning head about a yaw axis 144 ₁, and second actuator 136 ₂ may be a pitch actuator that rotates cleaning head about a pitch axis 144 ₂. Third actuator 136 ₃ may be a radial actuator that translates cleaning head 124 along a radial axis 144 ₃.

Referring to FIG. 5, actuator(s) 136 can be any device that acts to impart movement upon cleaning head 124 in response to control signals (e.g. electrical signals) from controller 140. For example, actuator(s) 136 may include servos as shown, DC or AC motors, fluid piston cylinders, or another type of actuator. In the illustrated example, articulated body 116 includes a first portion 148 rotatably connected about first axis 144 ₁ to a second portion 152, and a third portion 156 rotatably connected about second axis 144 ₂ to second portion 152.

As shown, first actuator 136 ₁ may be mounted to first and second body portions 148 and 152 so that first actuator 136 ₁ can be activated to impart rotation of second body portion 152 relative to first body portion 148 about first axis 144 ₁. Similarly, second actuator 136 ₂ may be connected to second and third body portions 152 and 156 so that second actuator 136 ₂ can be activated to impart rotation of third body portion 156 relative to second body portion 152 about second axis 144 ₂.

Referring to FIG. 6, third articulated body portion 156 is shown in accordance with an embodiment. As shown, third articulated body portion 156 includes an extension shaft 160, and an actuator 136 ₃. Extension shaft 160 has a distal end 164 to which cleaning head 124 (FIG. 3) is mounted in use. Extension shaft 160 is movable between the retracted position shown, through an intermediate position (FIG. 7), to an extended position (FIG. 8) by operation of the actuator 136 ₃.

Returning to FIG. 6, actuator 136 ₃ may be a rotary-type actuator, such as a servo, and drivingly connected to extension shaft 160 indirectly by a rotary to linear movement linkage 168. Linkage 168 can be any linkage that can convert rotary movement by rotary actuator 136 ₃ into linear movement of extension shaft 160. This allows actuator 136 ₃ to drive extension shaft 160 to move between the retracted position shown, and an extended position (FIG. 8). As seen in FIGS. 6-8, the illustrated example includes a linkage 168 including a drive arm 172 and a slotted arm 176. As shown, drive arm 172 has a proximal portion 180 connected to actuator 136 ₃, and a distal portion 184 constrained to slot 188 of slotted arm 176. Slotted arm 176 is connected to extension shaft 160 and slot 188 extends transverse (e.g. perpendicular) to extension axis 144 ₃. As drive arm 172 is rotated about proximal portion 180, distal portion 184 moves along slot 188 and drives slotted arm 176 and extension shaft 160 to move along extension axis 144 ₃.

Reference is now made to FIG. 29-31, which show an extension shaft 160 in accordance with another embodiment. As shown, extension shaft 160 may take the form of a telescoping arm. Telescoping arm 160 may be used in connection with robotic cleaning apparatus 100 as shown, by itself, or in connection with another type of apparatus (e.g. a photography tripod, display mount, aerial work platform vehicle (aka ‘cherry picker’), lighting fixture, microphone boom, or a crane). Telescoping arm 160 may include a plurality of elongate members 504 that telescope between the retracted position (FIGS. 29-30) and the extended position (FIG. 31). This can provide telescoping arm 160 with greater extensibility, a more compact size in the retracted position, or both.

Referring to FIGS. 30-31, telescoping arm 160 may be extended and retracted by activating actuator 136 ₃. For example, as described above in connection with FIG. 6, telescoping arm 160 may be connected to actuator 136 ₃ by a rotary to linear movement linkage 168. As shown, telescoping arm 160 may include an outer elongate member 504 ₁ and an inner elongate member 504 ₂. Each elongate member 504 may extend axially (e.g. along or parallel to extension axis 144 ₃) from a proximal end 508 to a distal end 512 (see also, FIGS. 32B and 33B). Outer elongate member 504 ₁ may be connected to third body portion 156 (which may be referred to as a ‘base’ when telescoping arm 160 is implemented in other apparatus) and axially movable (e.g. slideable) relative to third body portion 156 between the retracted position (FIG. 30) and extended position (FIG. 31). Inner elongate member 504 ₂ may be connected to outer elongate member 504 ₁ and axially movable (e.g. slideable) relative to outer elongate member 504 ₁ (and third body portion 156).

In the retracted position (FIG. 30), at least a first portion 516 ₁ of outer elongate member 504 ₁ axially overlaps third body portion 156, and at least a first portion 516 ₂ of inner elongate member 504 ₂ axially overlaps outer elongate member 504 ₁. For example, inner elongate member 504 ₂ may at least partially nest within outer elongate member 504 ₁ in the retracted position. In the example shown, outer elongate member 504 ₁ is tubular with a hollow interior that receives at least first portion 516 ₂ in the retracted position. Outer elongate member 504 ₁ may be tubular with a cross-sectional shape that is round (e.g. circular), polygonal (e.g. rectangular), or another regular or irregular shape. Alternatively or in addition, outer elongate member 504 ₁ may at least partially nest within third body portion 156 in the retracted position. For example, third body portion 156 may include a tubular portion 520 with a hollow interior that receives at least first portion 516 ₁ in the retracted position.

In the extended position (FIG. 31), at least first portion 516 ₁ is axially offset (e.g. axially spaced apart) from third body portion 156, and at least first portion 516 ₂ is axially offset (e.g. axially spaced apart) from outer elongate member 504 ₁. For example, body portion 520, first portion 516 ₁, and first portion 516 ₂ may be axially arranged in series, in that order, to provide an extended axial length 526 (e.g. along or parallel to third axis 144 ₃) from third body portion distal end 524 to inner elongate member distal end 512 ₂, when in the extended position. As shown, cleaning head 124 may be connected to inner elongate member distal end 512 ₂. Cleaning head 124 may have bristles 192 ₁ that extend axially outward of elongate member distal end 512 ₂ for cleaning surfaces positioned axially outward of distal end 512 ₂.

In some embodiments, telescoping arm 160 includes a transmission 528 that synchronizes (e.g. drives) the inner and outer elongate members to move concurrently when the telescoping arm 160 moves between the retracted and extended positions. This contrasts with traditional telescoping arm designs that move each arm segment to their respective extended position one at a time, in sequence. Thus, transmission 528 can allow telescoping arm 160 to move more quickly between the retracted and extended positions, and reduce the range of motion required from actuator 136 ₃ to move telescoping arm 160 between the retracted and extended positions.

As an example, transmission 528 may tie the movements of outer and inner elongate members 504 ₁ and 504 ₂, such that as actuator 136 ₃ moves outer elongate member 504 ₁ toward the extended position, transmission 528 causes inner elongate member 504 ₂ to concurrently move toward the extended position. In this example, when actuator 136 ₃ completes moving outer elongate member 504 ₁ relative to body portion 156 to the extended position, inner elongate member 504 ₂ will too have completed moving relative to outer elongate member 504 ₁ to the extended position. In other words, transmission 528 may drive inner elongate member 504 ₂ to move axially relative to outer elongate member 504 ₁, in response to and concurrently as outer elongate member 504 ₁ moves axially relative to third body portion 156.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 32A-32B and 33A-33B. In some embodiments, transmission 528 may include a flexible tie 532. Flexible tie 532 may include one or more lengths of rope, belt, or chain. As shown, outer elongate member 504 ₁ may include a pair of axially spaced apart pulleys 536. Flexible tie 532 may be mounted to pulleys 536, rigidly connected to third body portion 156 at a first connection 540, and rigidly connected to inner elongate member 504 ₂ at a different second connection 544. Connections 540 and 544 are located at different positions along the length of flexible tie 532.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 32B and 33B. In use, as telescoping arm 160 moves from the retracted position (FIG. 32B) toward the extended position (FIG. 33B), distal pulley 536 ₁ moves with outer elongate member 504 ₁ axially away from body-tie connection 540, which causes flexible tie 532 to revolve (also referred to as circulate) around pulleys 536 (counterclockwise from the vantage of FIGS. 32B and 33B). This results in inner elongate member-tie connection 544 moving axially outward towards distal pulley 536 ₁, whereby inner elongate member 504 ₂ (which is joined to connection 544) is moved axially outward relative to outer elongate member 504 ₁ (which is joined to distal pulley 536 ₁). In the illustrated example, distal end 512 ₂ of inner elongate member 504 ₂ extends axially relative to third body portion 156 at twice the speed of outer elongate member 504 ₁.

Transmission 528 may retract inner elongate member 504 ₂ in a similar but opposite fashion. As telescoping arm 160 moves from the extended position (FIG. 33B) towards the retracted position (FIG. 32B), proximal pulley 536 ₂ moves with outer elongate member 504 ₁ axially away from body-tie connection 540, which causes flexible tie 532 to revolve around pulleys 536 (clockwise from the vantage of FIGS. 32B and 33B). This results in inner elongate member-tie connection 544 moving axially inward towards proximal pulley 536 ₂, whereby inner elongate member 504 ₂ (which is joined to connection 544) is moved axially inward relative to outer elongate member 504 ₁ (which is joined to proximal pulley 536 ₂). In the illustrated example, distal end 512 ₂ of inner elongate member 504 ₂ retracts axially relatively to third body portion 156 at twice the speed of outer elongate member 504 ₁.

In the example shown, flexible tie 532 forms an endless loop and is joined to each of third body portion 156 and inner elongate member 504 ₂ at a single position (connections 540 and 544). In other embodiments, flexible tie 532 may have a length which extends between distinct, spaced apart ends. For example, the two ends of flexible tie 532 may be joined to third body portion 156 or to inner elongate member 504 ₁, at one position or at two spaced apart positions. Alternatively, flexible tie 532 may include two separated lengths (e.g. of rope, cable, or chain), each having their own spaced apart ends. In this case, each length of flexible tie 532 may be mounted to a different one of pulleys 536, with one end connected to third body portion 156 and one end connected to inner elongate member 504 ₁.

Pulleys 536 may take any form suitable to allow flexible tie 532 to circulate over them as telescoping arm 160 moves between the retracted and extended positions. For example, pulleys 536 may include rotating wheels over which flexible tie 532 can roll, or stationary posts over which flexible tie 532 can slide.

Referring to FIGS. 9-11, robotic cleaning apparatus can include any cleaning head 124 suitable for cleaning surfaces of a dirty object. Cleaning head 124 includes contact-type cleaning members 192 which clean surfaces by making physical contact with those surfaces. For example, cleaning head 124 may include bristles 192 ₁, cleaning pads 192 ₂ and 192 ₃ (e.g. cloth or sponge), loose cloth, or mop strands, which clean by frictionally engagement with a dirty surface.

As shown, cleaning head 124 may include a cleaning head base 404 having a cleaning end 196 from which cleaning members 192 extend, and a connection end 204. Turning to FIGS. 6 and 9, cleaning head connection end 204 may be connected to extension shaft distal end 164 so that cleaning head cleaning end 196 with cleaning members 192 faces outwardly from articulated body 116. This allows extension shaft 160 to be extended to move cleaning members 192 into contact with surfaces to be cleaned.

Cleaning head connection end 204 may be connected to extension shaft distal end 164 in any manner. For example, cleaning head connection end 204 may be permanently or removably connected to extension shaft distal end 164. In the illustrated example, cleaning head connection end 204 and extension shaft distal end 164 include a connector 208 that provides a releasable connection. Connector 208 can be any device that provides a releasable connection, such as a magnetic device, a latch, bayonette mount, or threads for example. In the illustrated example, connector 208 includes mating tubular members 212 ₁ and 212 ₂ that are sized and shaped to nest in one another with a friction fit that retains the connection until a deliberate user action to disconnect the cleaning head 124. The removability of cleaning head 124 allows cleaning head 124 to be removed for cleaning, repair, or replacement as required.

Returning to FIG. 1, articulated body 116 may include a cleaning fluid reservoir 216, and a pump 220 in some embodiments. Cleaning fluid reservoir 216 may provide storage for a volume of cleaning fluid (e.g. water or soap) that may be selectively dispensed by operation of pump 220 in response to control signals from controller 140. As shown, cleaning fluid reservoir 216 may include a fill inlet 224 that may be closed by a removable cap 228. In use, the user may remove cap 228, pour cleaning fluid into fluid reservoir 216 through the opened fill inlet 224, and then replace cap 228 to reclose fill inlet 224. FIG. 22 shows another embodiment of robotic cleaning apparatus 100. As shown, pump 220 may be positioned within articulated body 116 For example, pump 220 may be positioned within third body portion 156 as shown. Alternatively, pump 220 may be positioned within or attached to first or second body portions 148 or 152. As shown, pump 220 includes a motor 412 that when activated drives pump 220 to move cleaning fluid from cleaning fluid reservoir 216 to a fluid outlet.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 22, pump 220 is fluidly connected to cleaning fluid reservoir 216. Pump 220 can be any device that can draw cleaning fluid from cleaning fluid reservoir 216, and urge that cleaning fluid to dispense from a fluid outlet. The fluid outlet can be positioned anywhere on robotic cleaning apparatus 100 suitable for spraying the cleaning fluid onto surfaces to be cleaned. FIG. 22 shows an example in which third body portion 156 includes pump 220 and second body portion includes cleaning fluid reservoir 216. As shown, an intake conduit 416 may fluidly connect pump 220 to cleaning fluid reservoir 216. As shown, intake conduit 416 may have an upstream end 420 positioned within cleaning fluid reservoir 216 and a downstream end 424 connected to pump fluid inlet 428. A fluid outlet conduit 232 may fluidly connect pump 220 to a fluid outlet (e.g. having a nozzle oriented to spray onto surfaces of the dirty object). As shown, fluid outlet conduit 232 may have an upstream end 436 connected to pump fluid outlet 432, and a downstream end 440 proximate cleaning head 124.

FIG. 6 shows an example in which a pump 220 is mounted to extension shaft distal end 164 and a fluid outlet conduit 232 is positioned to interface with cleaning head 124 (FIG. 9). As shown, fluid outlet conduit 232 may be positioned within connector 208 to interface with cleaning head 124 when cleaning head 124 is connected to extension shaft 160. Turning to FIG. 11, an exemplary cleaning head 124 is shown including a fluid outlet nozzle 236 positioned to receive fluid from fluid outlet conduit 232 and spray cleaning fluid outwardly from cleaning head cleaning end 196. This can allow cleaning head 124 to dispense cleaning fluid onto the surfaces that cleaning head 124 faces or is moved into contact with (e.g. during, before, and/or after brushing the surface).

Reference is now made to FIGS. 29 and 34-36, which show a cleaning head 124 in accordance with another embodiment. Like part numbers refer to like parts in the previous figures. As shown, cleaning head 124 may include bristles 192 ₁, cleaning pad 192 ₂, and bristles 192 ₃.

In some embodiments, one or more (or all) of cleaning members 192 may extend axially outward of cleaning end 196 away from articulated body 116. In the example shown, bristles 192 ₁ face axially outward away from cleaning end 196 and articulated body 116. This allows bristles 192 ₁ to abrasively contact dirty surfaces that are aligned axially outward of articulated body 116.

In some embodiments, one or more (or all) of cleaning members 192 may be oriented to face (e.g. provide a cleaning surface facing) transverse to third axis 144 ₃. This can allow those cleaning members 192 to make cleaning contact with dirty surfaces that do not align axially outward of articulated body 116. In the illustrated example, cleaning pad 192 ₂ and bristles 192 ₃ face in opposite directions perpendicularly to third axis 144 ₃. In the illustrated example, when third axis 144 ₃ is horizontal, cleaning pad 192 ₂ faces upwardly, and bristles 192 ₃ face downwardly. As discussed below, this allows cleaning pad 192 ₂ to clean a lower surface of a toilet seat for example.

Alternatively, one or both of cleaning pad 192 ₂ and bristles 192 ₃ may face transversely to third axis 144 ₃ at a non-perpendicular angle (e.g. 20-70 degrees) to third axis 144 ₃. In some embodiments, cleaning members 192 ₂ and 192 ₃ may both face transversely to third axis 144 ₃, but not in opposite directions.

Reference is now made to FIG. 37. In some embodiments, one or more (or all) of cleaning members 192 is removably connected to cleaning head 124. This allows the cleaning member 192 to be removed for disposal, cleaning, or repair. As shown, cleaning head 124 may include a base 548 that provides a removable connection for a cleaning member 192. In the illustrated example, cleaning pad 192 ₂ is removably connected to cleaning head base 548. For example, cleaning pad 192 ₂ may be a single or limited-use disposable pad that is frequently disposed and replaced. In some embodiments, cleaning pad 192 ₂ includes a consumable material (e.g. melamine foam) that dissolves or wears away as it is used to clean dirty surfaces.

A cleaning member 192 may be removably connected to cleaning head base 548 in any manner. For example, a cleaning member 192 may be connected by one or more of a removable fastener (e.g. screw or bolt), clip, press-fit, latch, hook-and-loop (e.g. Velcro™), or magnets. In the illustrated example, cleaning head base 548 has a slot 552 that removably receives a lower end 556 of cleaning pad 192 ₂.

In some embodiments, all cleaning members 192 are removably connected to cleaning head 124. This can allow cleaning head 124 to be customizable with different cleaning members 192 that are optimal for the surfaces to be cleaned.

In other embodiments, all cleaning members 192 are non-removably (i.e. permanently) connected to cleaning head 124. This can make cleaning head 124 more robust (e.g. prevent inadvertent disconnection of cleaning members 192), and reduce the cost of cleaning head 124 to the extent that removable connections are not required for the cleaning members 192.

Referring to FIG. 3, articulated body 116 can be mounted in any manner that allows articulated body 116 to move cleaning head 124 into contact with surfaces to be cleaned. For example, articulated body 116 may be fastened to the dirty object 104 or an adjacent object (e.g. wall or floor) by a mount 120, or self-supported on the dirty object 104 or adjacent object (e.g. free-standing). In the illustrated embodiment, articulated body 116 is releasably connected to a mount 120 secured to the dirty object 104 by way of a rigid arm 240. Rigid arm 240 may have a proximal end 244 connected to the mount 120, and a distal end 248 connected to articulated body 116. One or both of proximal and distal ends 244 and 248 may be removably connected to the mount 120 or articulated body respectively. This can allow articulated body 116 to be selectively connected to the dirty object 104 to execute a cleaning program, and afterwards disconnected and removed (e.g. to storage or to clean another dirty object 104).

Still referring to FIG. 3, rigid arm proximal end 244 is shown including a connector 252 in accordance with an embodiment. As shown, mount 120 may include a recess (e.g. slot) 256 that receives connector 252. When received in mount recess 256, connector 252 may be movable between an engaged position in which withdrawal of connector 252 from mount recess 256 is inhibited, and a disengaged position in which connector 252 is free to withdraw from mount recess 256.

Turning to FIG. 12, connector 252 may include a latch 260 that in the engaged position latches to an engagement portion 262 (FIG. 3, e.g. post) within mount recess 256 (FIG. 3). As shown, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may include a user-operable control 264 that when activated acts to disengage connector 252. User-operable control 264 may be any user-operable device that can be mechanically or electrically connected to connector 252 and user-operated to move connector 252 to the disengaged position. For example, user-operable control 264 may be a slider as shown, a switch, button, or lever. User-operable control 264 may be positioned anywhere on robotic cleaning apparatus 100. In the illustrated example, user-operable control 264 is positioned at an upper end 266 of rigid arm 240. As shown, user-operable control 264 may be mechanically connected to connector 252 by way of a Bowden assembly 268. Bowden assembly 268 may include a cable 272 which extends from user-operable control 264 through a Bowden tube 276 to connector 252.

FIG. 13 shows user-operable control 264 in a first position and connector 252 in a disengaged position, and FIG. 14 shows user-operable control 264 moved to a second position, which pulls on cable 272, and thereby draws connector 252 to the disengaged position. As shown in FIG. 12, user-operable control 264 may have a bias 280 (e.g. spring) that biases user-operable control 264 to the first position, and connector 252 may include a bias 284 (e.g. spring) which biases connector 252 to the engaged position.

Reference is now made to FIG. 15, which shows a schematic illustration of controller 140 in accordance with an embodiment. As shown, controller 140 may include (hardware) processor 288 and memory 292 that are communicatively coupled to actuators 136, pump 220, sensor(s) 296, and user-interface member(s) 304. Processor 288 may be any device that can send control signals, wirelessly or by wire, that activate actuators 136 (and pump 220 if present), in accordance with instructions (e.g. a cleaning program) stored in memory 292.

In some embodiments, execution of instructions from memory 292 relies in part on user inputs from user-interface member(s) 304 and/or information from sensor(s) 296. As seen in FIG. 3, user-interface member(s) 304 may include a display 308 (e.g. electronic display), user input controls 314 (e.g. buttons), a speaker, and a microphone for example. Returning to FIG. 15, controller 140 may include a communications device 312 that allows for one or both of wired communication (e.g. by USB) or wirelessly communication (e.g. by 802.11x, Bluetooth, or infrared). In some embodiments, a user may send instructions to controller 140 from an external device (e.g. computer or smartphone) by wire or wireless through communications device 312.

Still referring to FIG. 15, controller 140 may be electrically connected to a power source 316, such as an energy storage member 320 (e.g. batteries, FIG. 4) or external power (e.g. mains power). In some embodiments, controller 140 has a recharging circuit 322 to allow a connected energy storage member 320 to be recharged from a connected external power source.

Referring to FIG. 4, controller 140 may be positioned anywhere on robotic cleaning apparatus 100. For example, controller 140 may be positioned within articulated body 116. In the illustrated example, controller 140 is positioned within first articulated body portion 148, and enclosed within a first portion housing 324.

In order to avoid repetitious reference to FIG. 15, the reader is directed to refer to FIG. 15 in connection with any mention hereafter of controller 140 or components thereof.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 23A-23B. In some embodiments, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may be configured to inhibit cleaning operations when articulated body 116 is not secured to mount 120. This may mitigate damage to robotic cleaning apparatus 100 and injury to users from inadvertent activation of robotic cleaning apparatus 100. Controller 140 may be configured to detect when there is and is not a connection between articulated body 116 and mount 120. When a connection is determined (e.g. when a connection is detected or when a disconnection is not detected), then controller 140 may permit robotic cleaning apparatus 100 to activate (e.g. permit actuators 136 (FIG. 5) to be activated according to a cleaning program). When a disconnection is determined (e.g. when a disconnection is detected or when a connection is not detected), then controller 140 may inhibit robotic cleaning apparatus 100 from activating (e.g. inhibit actuators 136 (FIG. 5) to be activated to execute a cleaning program).

Robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may determine a connection between articulated body 116 and mount 120 in any manner. For example, cleaning apparatus 100 may include a sensor 296 ₁, which is configured to sense a connection between articulated body 116 and mount 120, and which is communicatively coupled to controller 140. Controller 140 may determine whether articulated body 116 and mount 120 are connected based on signals received from sensor 296 ₁. In the illustrated embodiment, sensor 296 ₁ is associated with (e.g. connected to or embedded within) connector 252. Sensor 296 ₁ may be any device that can send a signal to controller 140 in response to one or both of a connection or disconnection of connector 252 to mount 120. For example, sensor 296 ₁ may include a switch that is moved upon connecting and/or disconnecting connector 252 to mount 120, an optical sensor, or a magnetic sensor. As shown, mount 120 may include a magnet or magnetically attractable element 444 that is sensed by magnetic sensor 296 ₁ when magnetic sensor 296 ₁ moves within a proximity of element 444, which is indicative of connector 252 being connected to mount 120.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 24-26. In some embodiments, a robotic cleaning system 448 may include robotic cleaning apparatus 100 and a charging station 452. Charging station 452 may provide for storage of robotic cleaning apparatus 100 and an electric connection to mains power for recharging energy storage member 320 (FIG. 15). As shown, charging station 452 may include a recess 456 (also referred to as a concavity or receptacle 456) sized and shaped to seat (i.e. receive at least a portion of) robotic cleaning apparatus 100. In the illustrated example, a second recess 460 (also referred to as a collection receptacle or pan 456) is positioned to underlie (i.e. align vertically below) cleaning head 124 when robotic cleaning apparatus 100 is seated in recess 456. This may permit pan 456 to collect residual cleaning fluid which may drip from cleaning head 124. As shown, pan 456 may define a collection volume 464 that is separated from seating volume 468 (e.g. by a wall 472) so that cleaning fluid which collects in pan 456 does not run into seating volume 468.

Still referring to FIGS. 24-26, charging station 452 may make an electrical connection with robotic cleaning apparatus 100 when robotic cleaning apparatus 100 is connected (also referred to as seated or docked) to charging station 452. For example, charging station 452 may form an inductive or direct electrical connection. This may permit charging station 452 to deliver power to robotic cleaning apparatus (e.g. via a mains electrical connector 484) to recharge energy storage member 320 (FIG. 15). As exemplified, charging station 452 may include one or more electrical contacts 476 that mate with one or more electrical contacts 480 of robotic cleaning apparatus 100 when apparatus 100 is docked to charging station 452. Electrical contacts 476 and 480 may be provided anywhere on charging station 452 and robotic cleaning apparatus 100, which align when apparatus 100 is docked to charging station 452. In the illustrated example, electrical contacts 476 are provided atop a rear wall 488 of charging station 452, and electrical contacts 480 are provided below rigid arm 240.

Referring to FIG. 2, surfaces 108 to be cleaned of dirty object 104 may include one or more segments 328. Where surfaces 108 include a plurality of segments 328, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may clean the segments in sequence, according to a cleaning program executed by controller 140. The illustrated example depicts the cleaning of inside surfaces 108 of a basin, namely a toilet bowl. In this example, inside surfaces 108 may include a plurality of segments 328. Segments 328 may be sized and shaped according to the dimensions of cleaning head 124, so that cleaning head 124 can clean the entirety of each segment 328 in sequence according to a cleaning path.

In the example shown, each segment 328 may be annular portions of inside surfaces 108. In length, segments 328 may form any portion of a revolution around toilet bowl 112. For example, each segment 328 may extend in length between 180 and 360 degrees. In operation, cleaning head 124 may clean the surface segment 328 by making brushing contact along the complete length of the surface segment 328.

Still referring to FIG. 2, in response to user-input to commence cleaning, controller 140 may automatically (i.e. without further user action) execute a cleaning program. FIG. 2 shows robotic cleaning apparatus 100 in a “home” position with cleaning head 124 in a retracted position. Turning to FIG. 16, the cleaning program may include controller 140 directing actuators 136 (FIG. 5) to move cleaning head 124 into contact with a first segment 328 ₁. This may include activating actuator(s) 136 to align cleaning head 124 with the first segment 328 ₁ and extend cleaning head 124 outwardly into contact with the first segment 328 ₁. In the illustrated example, controller 140 has directed pitch actuator 136 ₂ to rotate cleaning head 124 downwards a predetermined angle (e.g. about 20 degrees) into alignment with first segment 328 ₁ and directed extension actuator 136 ₃ to translate cleaning head 124 outwards into contact with first segment 328 ₁.

Referring to FIGS. 15-16, in some embodiments, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 includes a contact sensor 332 that is communicatively coupled to processor 288. Contact sensor 332 can include any one or more devices that can collectively provide sensory information to controller 140 from which controller 140 can infer (e.g. determine) contact between cleaning head 124 and a dirty surface 108. For example, contact sensor 332 may include one or more of a bumper, infrared sensor, accelerometer, or force sensor for example. Controller 140 may establish and/or maintain contact between cleaning head 124 and a segment 328 based on readings from contact sensor 332. For example, controller 140 may activate actuator 136 ₃ to move cleaning head 124 radially until controller 140 determines from contact sensor 332 that cleaning head 124 exerts a force on surface 108 that is within a predetermined range of force values. The predetermined range of force values may be selected based on cleaning characteristics of cleaning head 124. For example, insufficient force may not provide sufficient frictional contact, and too great of force may splay bristles reducing their cleaning efficiency. Use of contact sensor 332 may allow robotic cleaning apparatus 100 to accommodate a wide range of different dirty objects 104, without the apparatus 100 or the manufacturer having prior knowledge of the object surface profiles. For example, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may be able to clean toilet bowls of many different makes and models, including future models.

In alternative embodiments, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may not include a contact sensor 332. For example, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may be integrated into or purpose built to clean a specific dirty object 104, whereby controller 140 is preconfigured with cleaning paths that correspond to the surfaces 108 of that object 104. In some embodiments, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may be user-configurable with cleaning instructions (e.g. by transmitting instructions wirelessly or by wire to controller 140) specific to one or more particular dirty objects 104.

Turning to FIG. 17, once contact is made between cleaning head 124 and segment 328 ₁, controller 140 directs actuator(s) 136 (FIG. 5) to move cleaning head 124 along a cleaning path in contact with a length 336 of the segment 328 ₁. FIG. 17 shows cleaning head 124 in three positions Y1-Y3 along length 336 of segment 328 ₁. As shown, controller 140 directs actuator(s) 136 to maintain contact between cleaning head 124 and segment 328 ₁ as cleaning head 124 moves along the cleaning path. In this example, controller 140 holds pitch actuator 136 ₂ stationary to maintain the pitch angle 342 (FIG. 16), and activates yaw actuator 136 ₁ to rotate cleaning head 124 to rotate about yaw axis 144 ₁ (FIG. 16). Contemporaneously, controller 140 activates actuator 136 ₃ to vary the radial extension of cleaning head 124 to maintain contact between cleaning head 124 and segment 328 ₁.

The cleaning path along segment 328 ₁ may include a single pass across segment length 336, or several laps across segment length 336. For example, cleaning path may include several revolutions around toilet bowl 112. Further, the cleaning path may have a continuous direction from start to finish or may include one or more direction reversals between the start and finish to provide a scrubbing effect for greater cleaning efficiency. Controller 140 may also direct pump 220 to spray segment 328 ₁ before, during, or after brushing segment 328 ₁ with cleaning head 124.

Reference is now made to FIG. 18. If dirty surface 108 includes a plurality of segments 328, then after cleaning a first segment 328 ₁, and in accordance with a cleaning program in memory 292, controller 140 may direct actuator(s) 136 (FIG. 5) to move cleaning head 124 into contact with a subsequent segment 328 ₂ or 328 ₃, and then clean the subsequent segment 328 ₂ or 328 ₃ by moving along a cleaning path encompassing the respective segment 328 ₂ or 328 ₃ while maintaining contact between the cleaning head 124 and the segment, substantially as described above with respect to first segment 328 ₁. FIG. 18 shows cleaning head in two alternative positions P2 and P3, in which cleaning head has been moved into contact with segments 328 ₂ and 328 ₃ respectively. In the example shown, moving to a subsequent segment 328 ₂ or 328 ₃ may include actuating pitch actuator 136 ₂ to rotate cleaning head 124 about pitch axis 144 ₂ (FIG. 5, e.g. 0 to 60 degrees exclusive) into alignment with the subsequent segment 328 ₂ or 328 ₃. It will be appreciated that surface 108 may include any number of segments 328 (e.g. 1-50 segments), and that segments 328 may partially overlap.

Reference is now made to FIG. 28. In some embodiments, one or more (or all) of segments 328 may be vertically oriented. As shown, moving cleaning head 124 along a vertically oriented segment 328 may include rotating cleaning head 124 about pitch axis 144 ₂ (FIG. 5). This may provide an efficient cleaning routine for certain surfaces 108, such as those proximate to (e.g. abutting) a toilet outlet 496 for example. In the illustrated example, controller 140 may, in response to user-input to commence cleaning, execute a cleaning program that includes activating one or more of actuator(s) 136 (FIG. 5) to move cleaning head 124 into contact the vertically aligned segment 328. Next, the controller 140 may, in accordance with the cleaning program, move cleaning head 124 along a cleaning path in contact with the length 336 of the segment 328. For example, controller 140 may actuate pitch actuator 136 ₂ (FIG. 5) to move cleaning head 124 up or down (or both) along the length 336 of segment 328 while modulating extension actuator 136 ₃ (FIG. 5) to maintain contact between cleaning head 124 and surface segment 328. FIG. 28 shows cleaning head 124 at two positions: position P1 at an upper end of surface segment 328, and position P2 at a lower end of surface segment 328.

The cleaning path along segment 328 may include a single pass across segment length 336, or several passes across segment length 336. Further, the cleaning path may have a continuous direction from start to finish (e.g. up or down) or may include one or more direction reversals between the start and finish to provide a scrubbing effect for greater cleaning efficiency. For example, controller 140 may, in accordance with the cleaning program, direct cleaning head 124 to reverse direction (e.g. between rotating cleaning head 124 upwardly and downwardly) at one or several intermediate positions between the upper and lower ends of segment 328 to provide the scrubbing effect.

After cleaning a surface segment 328, controller 140 may, in accordance with the cleaning program direct actuator(s) 136 (FIG. 5) to rotate cleaning head 124 into contact with another vertically aligned segment 328. For example, controller 140 may direct yaw actuator 136 ₁ (FIG. 5) to rotate cleaning head 124 about yaw axis 144 ₁ (e.g. by more than 0 and less than 30 degrees) into contact with another vertically aligned segment 328, and clean the segment 328 as described above. This may repeat until all of the vertically aligned segments 328 within a revolution have been cleaned. For example, this may repeat until cleaning head 124 has rotated about yaw axis 144 ₁ by 360 degrees or more. Depending on the shape of basin inside surfaces 108, this may repeat until cleaning head has rotated about yaw axis 144 ₁ by less than 360 (e.g. has rotated about yaw axis 144 ₁ by 90 to 270 degrees).

Referring to FIG. 18, in the context of a basin, such as toilet bowl 112, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may be operable to clean a rim 340 that borders the basin opening 132. Rim 340 may form part of one or more segments 328 that are cleaned as part of a cleaning program executed by controller 140. In the illustrated example, rim 340 is included in segment 328 ₃. Turning to FIG. 19, cleaning head 124 may be configured to clean multiple faces of rim 340 simultaneously. As shown, when cleaning head 124 is moved into contact with rim 340, contact-type cleaning members 192 may make brushing contact with both rim inner surface 344 and rim upper surface 348. For example, cleaning head 124 may include a contact-type cleaning member 192 ₁ oriented to act on surfaces radially outwardly of the cleaning member 192 ₁ (e.g. bristles), and a contact-type cleaning member 192 ₂ oriented to act on surfaces below the cleaning member 192 ₂ (e.g. cleaning pad). In the illustrated example, cleaning member 192 ₂ has a lower cleaning surface 352 positioned above at least some of cleaning member 192 ₁ (i.e. above some bristles) so that lower cleaning surface 352 can engage rim upper surface 348 simultaneously as cleaning member 192 ₁ engages rim inner surface 344.

Reference is now made to FIG. 20. In the context of cleaning a toilet 104, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may be operable to clean a toilet seat 356. For example, toilet seat 356 may form part of one or more segments 328 that are cleaned as part of a cleaning program executed by controller 140. As with cleaning other segments 328, cleaning toilet seat 356 may include controller 140 directing actuator(s) 136 (FIG. 5) to move cleaning head 124 into contact with the segment 328 ₄ that includes toilet seat 356, and to move cleaning head 124 along a cleaning path encompassing the segment 328 ₄ while maintaining contact between cleaning head 124 and the segment 328 ₄.

In some embodiments, cleaning head 124 may be configured to clean multiple faces of toilet seat 356 simultaneously. As shown, when cleaning head 124 is moved into contact with toilet seat 356, contact-type cleaning members 192 may make brushing contact with seat lower surface 360, seat inner surface 364, and seat upper surface 368. For example, referring additionally to FIG. 11, cleaning head 124 may include a contact-type cleaning member 192 ₁ oriented to act on surfaces radially outwardly of the cleaning member 192 ₁ (e.g. bristles), a contact-type cleaning member 192 ₂ oriented to act on surfaces above the cleaning member 192 ₂ (e.g. cleaning pad), and a contact-type cleaning member 192 ₃ oriented to act on surfaces below the cleaning member 192 ₃ (e.g. cleaning pad,). In the illustrated example, cleaning member 192 ₂ has an upper cleaning surface 372 positioned below at least some of cleaning member 192 ₁ (i.e. below some bristles), and cleaning member 192 ₃ has a lower cleaning surface 376 positioned above and spaced apart from cleaning member 192 ₂, so that upper cleaning surface 372 can engage seat lower surface 360, simultaneously as cleaning member 192 ₁ engages seat inner surface 364, and lower cleaning surface 376 engages seat upper surface 368.

Referring to FIGS. 9-10, in some embodiments, one or both of cleaning members 192 ₂ and 192 ₃ may be movably connected to cleaning head base 404. For example, one or both of cleaning members 192 ₂ and 192 ₃ may be pivotably rotatable relative to the other. This may allow cleaning members 192 ₂ and 192 ₃ to accommodate differently sized and shaped toilet seats between them. In the illustrated embodiment, cleaning member 192 ₃ is rotatable relative to cleaning member 192 ₃ about a pivot axis 396. As shown, pivot axis 396 may be transverse (e.g. substantially perpendicular) to extension axis 144 ₃. Cleaning member 192 ₃ may be connected to cleaning head base 404 in any manner that allows cleaning member 192 ₃ to rotate about pivot axis 396. For example, cleaning member 192 ₃ may be connected to cleaning head base 404 by a hinge 408 as shown.

Referring to FIG. 20, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may support toilet seat 356 in a tilted position (e.g. 3 to 45 degrees from horizontal) so that toilet seat front end 380 is raised from rim front end 384. This may provide cleaning head 124 with better clearance to engage seat lower surface 360. As shown, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may include a seat support 388 that engages seat lower surface 360 to hold toilet seat 356 in the tilted position. In use, a user may raise toilet seat 356, attach robotic cleaning apparatus 100, and then lower toilet seat onto seat support 388 before providing a user instruction to controller 140 to execute a cleaning program.

Still referring to FIG. 20, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may include a tilt sensor 392 communicatively coupled to controller 140. Tilt sensor 392 may include any one or more sensory devices that can provide controller 140 with information to infer (e.g. determine) an angular orientation of toilet seat 356. For example, tilt sensor 392 may include a rotary encoder 397 as shown, an accelerometer, and/or a proximity sensor 394 (FIG. 4, e.g. infrared rangefinder). With the angular orientation of toilet seat 356, controller 140 can determine a cleaning path that encompasses the segment 328 ₄ including the toilet seat 356. In the illustrated example, moving cleaning head 124 along a length of segment 328 ₄ may include activating both of yaw and pitch actuators 136 ₁ and 136 ₂ (FIG. 5) to maintain alignment between cleaning head 124 and the tilted toilet seat 356, and activating extension actuator 136 ₃ (FIG. 5) to maintain contact with the toilet seat 356.

In the illustrated example, toilet seat support 388 includes a pedal 398 rotatably connected to tilt sensor 392. In use, pedal 398 rotates about a horizontal axis to accommodate the angular seat lower surface 360. Tilt sensor 392 may detect the angular orientation of pedal 398, and communicate sensory information corresponding to the angular orientation to controller 140.

Reference is now made to FIG. 38, which shows robotic cleaning apparatus 100 with the cleaning head 124 of FIGS. 34-36 cleaning toilet seat 356. As shown, upper cleaning pad 192 ₂ may make physical cleaning contact with toilet seat lower surface 360. In some embodiments, cleaning head 124 may be used to clean only the seat lower surface 360, as shown. After cleaning seat lower surface 360, upper cleaning pad 192 ₂ may be removed, disposed, and replaced with a new cleaning pad 192 ₂ as described above in connection with FIG. 37.

Reference is now made to FIG. 21. In some embodiments, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 maps a cleaning path for a segment 328 (FIG. 16) before cleaning the segment 328. Mapping a cleaning path may include moving cleaning head 124 into contact with the segment 328 (substantially as described above in connection with cleaning segment 328), recording head position information in memory 292, moving the cleaning head one increment along the segment length 336, adjusting contact between the cleaning head and the segment 328 (e.g. to fall within a predetermined range of contact value, such as force values), recording head position information in memory 292, and repeating until the entire segment length 336 has been traversed. FIG. 21 shows cleaning head 124 in two incremental positions Q1 and Q2 along segment length 336. There can be any distance between incremental positions. For example, the distance between incremental positions may be between 0 and 20 degrees exclusive.

The head position information recorded at each increment along the segment length 336 may include information indicative of the relative position of cleaning head 124. For example, the head position information may include cleaning head co-ordinates, or position values for actuator(s) 136 (FIG. 5). Collectively, the recorded head position information may form the basis of the cleaning path for that segment 328. For example, controller 140 may store the recorded head position information as a cleaning path, or determine (and optionally store in memory 292) a cleaning path based on the recorded head position information.

After the cleaning path for a segment 328 has been mapped, controller 140 may execute a cleaning program, which includes moving cleaning head along the mapped cleaning path in contact with the segment 328. Because the cleaning path is predetermined, it may not be required for controller 140 to repeatedly determine the extension of cleaning head 124 based on sensory readings of contact sensor 332. As a result, the movement speed may be increased which may promote greater cleaning efficiency.

Where surfaces 108 include a plurality of segments 328, controller 140 may execute a cleaning program to clean a segment 328 after mapping a cleaning path for that segment 328 and before mapping a cleaning path for a subsequent segment. Alternatively, controller 140 may map cleaning paths for two or more (or all) segments 328, before executing a cleaning program to clean the mapped segments 328 in sequence.

In some embodiments, the cleaning path is remapped prior to cleaning a segment 328 even if a cleaning path for that segment 328 has been mapped on a different occasion. This may reduce memory requirements, and also the complexity of cleaning multiple different dirty objects 104. In other embodiments, the cleaning path(s) mapped in connection with a previous occasion may be stored for use with future occasions. This may allow robotic cleaning apparatus 100 to reclean the same dirty object 104 on future occasions without having to remap the cleaning path(s). As a result, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may benefit from faster movement speed (and therefore reduced cleaning time and improved cleaning efficiency), without having to take time to remap the cleaning path(s).

Still referring to FIG. 21, in some embodiments robotic cleaning apparatus 100 can store cleaning path(s) associated with a plurality of different dirty objects 104 simultaneously. For example, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may store cleaning path(s) in memory 292, which have been mapped against several toilets 104 within a building (e.g. home or office). Before, during, or after mapping a cleaning path, a user may issue user instructions (e.g. using user interface members 304, or an external device) to controller 140 to associate the cleaning path with (i.e. store in memory 292 in association with) a particular dirty object (e.g. the dirty object to which robotic cleaning apparatus 100 is mounted). Similarly, before executing a cleaning program on a pre-mapped dirty object 104, a user may issue a user instructions to controller 140 to use cleaning path(s) associated with a particular dirty object (e.g. the dirty object to which robotic cleaning apparatus 100 is mounted). For example, the user may use user interface members 304 or an external device, to select the dirty object to clean.

Reference is now made to FIG. 27, which shows a schematic illustration of cleaning head 124 and an obstacle 492 for clarity of illustration. In some embodiments, robotic cleaning apparatus 100 may be configured to navigate around obstacles 492 which cleaning head 124 may encounter. This may mitigate damage to robotic cleaning apparatus 100 (e.g. burning out actuators in an effort to move through the obstacle) and/or damage or injury to the obstacle 492 (e.g. a user's hand or other foreign object). Controller 140 may store in memory 292 an obstacle navigation routine (also referred to as an obstacle negotiation routine) that is executed to detect and navigate around an obstacle.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 27, controller 140 may detect an obstacle in any manner. In some embodiments, controller 140 may determine there has been an impact with an obstacle 492 based on positional feedback from an actuator 136 (e.g. actuator 136 ₁ or 136 ₂), which indicates that cleaning head 124 has significantly slowed or stopped moving despite control signals from controller 140 to the actuator 136 directing the actuator 136 to continue moving. In response to detecting an obstacle 492, controller 140 may direct the obstructed actuator 136 to stop or momentarily reverse, then direct actuator 136 ₃ to retract cleaning head 124 by a pre-determined distance (e.g. 10 mm), before again instructing the obstructed actuator 136 to resume moving in the forward direction. If upon resuming, the obstacle 492 is once again encountered (e.g. because of insufficient retraction to clear the obstacle), the stop/reverse, retract, and resume routine is again repeated. Once the obstacle 492 is cleared, controller 140 may resume the original cleaning or calibration program including extending cleaning head 124 outwardly to maintain contact with surfaces of the dirty object.

While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Items

Item 1: A method of robotically cleaning an inner surface of a toilet, the method comprising:

for each of one or more segments of the inner surface:

-   -   mapping a cleaning path of the segment of the inner surface,         wherein mapping the cleaning path comprises (i) moving the         cleaning head into contact with a plurality of locations along a         length of the segment, and (ii) recording head position         information for each of the plurality of locations; and

cleaning the segment of the inner surface by moving the cleaning head along the cleaning path in contact with the segment.

Item 2: The method of claim 1, wherein cleaning the segment comprises:

repeatedly moving the cleaning head along the cleaning path to brush the length of the segment.

Item 3: The method of claim 1, wherein moving the cleaning head into contact with a plurality of locations comprises, for each location:

moving the cleaning head radially outwards until the cleaning head exerts a force on the inner surface that is within a predetermined range of force values.

Item 4: The method of claim 1, wherein moving the cleaning head into contact with a plurality of locations comprises, for each location:

a) moving the cleaning head radially outwards until the cleaning head exerts a force on the inner surface, and

b) rotating the cleaning head about a yaw axis by a predetermined offset angle relative to the basin to a subsequent location.

Item 5: The method of claim 4, wherein moving the cleaning head into contact with a plurality of locations further comprises, for each location:

c) repeating steps (a) and (b) until the cleaning head has rotated about the yaw axis by a predetermined total angle of at least 180 degrees.

Item 6: The method of claim 5, wherein the predetermined offset angle is greater than 0 degrees and less than 20 degrees.

Item 7: The method of claim 1, wherein cleaning the segment comprises:

spraying cleaning fluid from the cleaning head onto the inner surface.

Item 8: The method of claim 1, wherein:

the one or more segments includes a plurality of segments.

Item 9: The method of claim 8, wherein the plurality of segments includes at least a first segment and a second segment, and the method further comprises:

after cleaning the first segment, rotating the cleaning head about a pitch axis to align the cleaning head with the second segment.

Item 10: The method of claim 1, wherein:

the head position information comprises indications of yaw, pitch, and radial positions of the cleaning head.

Item 11: The method of claim 1, wherein:

said moving the cleaning head comprises sending control signals from a controller to one or more actuators that act to move the cleaning head.

Item 12: The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining a pitch angle of a toilet seat;

mapping a cleaning path for the toilet seat; and

cleaning the toilet seat by moving the cleaning head along the cleaning path in contact with the toilet seat.

Item 13: The method of claim 1, wherein:

cleaning the segment of the inner surface comprises scrubbing the segment with bristles of the cleaning head.

Item 14: The method of claim 1, wherein cleaning the segment of the inner surface comprises:

radially extending the cleaning head into contact with the first segment of the inner surface; and

rotating the cleaning head about a first axis while modulating a radial extension of the cleaning head to maintain brushing contact of the cleaning head along the length of the segment.

Item 15: A method of robotically cleaning an inner surface of a toilet, the method comprising:

for each of one or more segments of the inner surface:

-   -   mapping the segment of the inner surface, wherein said mapping         comprises (i) moving the cleaning head into contact with a         plurality of locations along a length of the segment, and (ii)         recording head position information for each of the plurality of         locations; and

cleaning the segment of the inner surface by moving the cleaning head in brushing contact with the segment.

Item 16: The method of claim 15, wherein cleaning the segment comprises:

repeatedly brushing the length of the segment with the cleaning head.

Item 17: The method of claim 15, wherein moving the cleaning head into contact with a plurality of locations comprises, for each location:

moving the cleaning head radially outwards until the cleaning head exerts a force on the inner surface that is within a predetermined range of force values.

Item 18: The method of claim 15, wherein moving the cleaning head into contact with a plurality of locations comprises, for each location:

a) moving the cleaning head radially outwards until the cleaning head exerts a force on the inner surface, and

b) rotating the cleaning head about a yaw axis by a predetermined offset angle relative to the basin.

Item 19: The method of claim 15, further comprising:

mapping a surface of the toilet seat; and

cleaning the toilet seat by moving the cleaning head along the mapped surface in contact with the toilet seat.

Item 20: The method of claim 15, wherein cleaning the segment of the inner surface comprises:

radially extending the cleaning head into contact with the first segment of the inner surface; and

rotating the cleaning head about a first axis while modulating a radial extension of the cleaning head to maintain brushing contact of the cleaning head along the length of the segment. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of robotically cleaning an inner surface of a toilet, the method comprising: for each of one or more segments of the inner surface: mapping a cleaning path of the segment of the inner surface, wherein mapping the cleaning path comprises (i) moving the cleaning head into contact with a plurality of locations along a length of the segment, and (ii) recording head position information for each of the plurality of locations; and cleaning the segment of the inner surface by moving the cleaning head along the cleaning path in contact with the segment.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein cleaning the segment comprises: repeatedly moving the cleaning head along the cleaning path to brush the length of the segment.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein moving the cleaning head into contact with a plurality of locations comprises, for each location: moving the cleaning head radially outwards until the cleaning head exerts a force on the inner surface that is within a predetermined range of force values.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein moving the cleaning head into contact with a plurality of locations comprises, for each location: a) moving the cleaning head radially outwards until the cleaning head exerts a force on the inner surface, and b) rotating the cleaning head about a yaw axis by a predetermined offset angle relative to the basin to a subsequent location.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein moving the cleaning head into contact with a plurality of locations further comprises, for each location: c) repeating steps (a) and (b) until the cleaning head has rotated about the yaw axis by a predetermined total angle of at least 180 degrees.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the predetermined offset angle is greater than 0 degrees and less than 20 degrees.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein cleaning the segment comprises: spraying cleaning fluid from the cleaning head onto the inner surface.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein: the one or more segments includes a plurality of segments.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the plurality of segments includes at least a first segment and a second segment, and the method further comprises: after cleaning the first segment, rotating the cleaning head about a pitch axis to align the cleaning head with the second segment.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein: the head position information comprises indications of yaw, pitch, and radial positions of the cleaning head.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein: said moving the cleaning head comprises sending control signals from a controller to one or more actuators that act to move the cleaning head.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a pitch angle of a toilet seat; mapping a cleaning path for the toilet seat; and cleaning the toilet seat by moving the cleaning head along the cleaning path in contact with the toilet seat.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein: cleaning the segment of the inner surface comprises scrubbing the segment with bristles of the cleaning head.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein cleaning the segment of the inner surface comprises: radially extending the cleaning head into contact with the first segment of the inner surface; and rotating the cleaning head about a first axis while modulating a radial extension of the cleaning head to maintain brushing contact of the cleaning head along the length of the segment.
 15. A method of robotically cleaning an inner surface of a toilet, the method comprising: for each of one or more segments of the inner surface: mapping the segment of the inner surface, wherein said mapping comprises (i) moving the cleaning head into contact with a plurality of locations along a length of the segment, and (ii) recording head position information for each of the plurality of locations; and cleaning the segment of the inner surface by moving the cleaning head in brushing contact with the segment.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein cleaning the segment comprises: repeatedly brushing the length of the segment with the cleaning head.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein moving the cleaning head into contact with a plurality of locations comprises, for each location: moving the cleaning head radially outwards until the cleaning head exerts a force on the inner surface that is within a predetermined range of force values.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein moving the cleaning head into contact with a plurality of locations comprises, for each location: a) moving the cleaning head radially outwards until the cleaning head exerts a force on the inner surface, and b) rotating the cleaning head about a yaw axis by a predetermined offset angle relative to the basin.
 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: mapping a surface of the toilet seat; and cleaning the toilet seat by moving the cleaning head along the mapped surface in contact with the toilet seat.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein cleaning the segment of the inner surface comprises: radially extending the cleaning head into contact with the first segment of the inner surface; and rotating the cleaning head about a first axis while modulating a radial extension of the cleaning head to maintain brushing contact of the cleaning head along the length of the segment. 